Western Asiatic Gold Bead Collection

An unglazed terracotta trumpet-shaped bowl with the faint remains of Aramaic-script to the inside; accompanied by a smaller bowl with three concentric rings of recently overpainted pseudo Aramaic-script to the upper face. 277 grams total, 9.5-12.4 cm



Acquired on the German art market, 1989-1995. with The Museum Gallery, 19 Bury Place, London, WC1, UK, 1998-2003. Property of a London based academic, 2003-present.

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian period and have been found in regions of modern Iraq. These simple ceramic bowls, also known as magic bowls, each contain an Aramaic inscription, written in ink, which spirals from the centre. The bowls seem to have played an important part in domestic life. For example, during excavation in Nippur in 1889, one or more incantation bowls were found in each house together with domestic artefacts, most often in doorways or under floorboards in the corner of rooms. The bowls are predominantly apotropaic, and the inscriptions tend to protect their owners from misfortunes such as those faced in child-birth, illness and evil spirits.

In advancing pose with trunk extended, tail draped along the hindleg; old inked number '27' to underside; supplied with a custom-made stand. 115 grams, 73 mm (251 grams total, 10 cm wide including stand)



Ex European collection since 1970. with Herman Historica, Munich, Germany, Auction 95, no.6031 (Part). Property of a French collector.

Raised from a single sheet with slightly convex walls; concentric circles to the inner base with a central decorative motif composed of zig-zag lines. 125 grams, 15 cm



From a London collection formed 1989-2000. Sold from Pars Antiquities, London, 2002. Accompanied by an old collection ticket.